Young refugees and migrants
Life isn't easy for young refugees. After long and harrowing journeys, they arrive in the UK, not to a warm bed and loving parents but to endless questions from immigration. Tired and traumatised, they're grilled on how old they are and where they’ve come from.
Without knowing the language and how things work, young refugees have to fight hard for basics like food, safety and housing. Without support, it’s easy to lose hope. We have worked alongside young refugees and migrants, and continue to use our learning to influence and improve the support and systems that affect their lives.
Young refugee facts and figures
Approximately 43.4 million
children were forcibly displaced worldwide (including refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced children)
4,104
unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) claimed asylum in the UK in 2024
working with refugees
Many young refugees and migrants may experience challenges with their mental health and wellbeing as a result of displacement and uncertainty. Through our experience supporting children and young people, we understand the importance of access to appropriate emotional and mental health support.
I’m not alone
While they’re waiting to know if they can stay in the UK, ee support young people to understand and navigate interviews and meetings within the immigration system.
Working with young refugees and migrants
Every child should have the chance to be safe, happy and achieve their dreams, regardless of their or their parents' immigration status.
Our services across the UK give young refugees and migrants opportunities to recover, meet people and start enjoying life in a new country.
I feel strong
I feel strong
Suhail came to the UK alone as a young person seeking safety. . Like many young refugees, he had to fight hard to start a new life. He struggled with mental health but has now found his feet and takes beautiful photos all over London.
Staying safe
Arriving alone in a new country is scary. People will take advantage of children on their own. Without a trusted adult to look out for them, child refugees may be manipulated into forced labour, criminal groups or sexual exploitation. We work with young people who have no one. We give them other options.
helping refugees become independent
Making friends
Building friendships and feeling part of a community is important for young refugees and migrants in the UK.
Through our previous work with young people, we have seen how safe spaces, peer connection and trusted support can reduce isolation and build confidence.
We continue to draw on our experience working with young refuges and migrants, to highlight the importance of connection, belonging and trusted relationships in supporting wellbeing.
Volunteer roles
Whether you're organising group activities or helping a young person build friendships in a new country, our volunteer roles make a real difference to young people's lives.
helping refugees develop life skills
Life skills
From our work with young refugees and migrants, we know that building practical life skills and confidence can play an important role in helping young people feel settled and independent.
Legal battles
UK law and the immigration system can be difficult to understand, especially for families navigating complex rules around immigration applications and processes.
We have worked tirelessly with many families, including those with children born in the UK, who continue to face challenges linked to their immigration status.
In 2018, after a five-year campaign led by The Children’s Society, we successfully challenged the government to reinstate legal aid for unaccompanied and separated children.
Through our current Helping Further project in the West Midlands, we provide immigration advice and casework support for families experiencing hardship, including those affected by No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). We also support families through practical services such as English language classes and wider guidance to help them feel more confident navigating everyday life.
